Top Colorado Kayaking Tours

Enjoy a more active way to immerse yourself in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain scenery—and benefit from a personalized experience—on this small-group, half-day kayaking tour near Durango. Meet at a central location and then transfer to the Animas River; with all necessary gear included, enjoy a hassle-free experience. Once aboard your inflatable kayak, and with your guide in the lead, set off to tackle class III rapids.

Half-day kayaking and paddle boarding tours offer an accessible and unforgettable way to experience the San Juan Mountains from the water. Glide across crystal-clear, calm waters, perfect for all skill levels—from first-time paddlers to seasoned enthusiasts. Unlike river-based activities, Trout Lake provides a tranquil and safe environment, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty. All necessary high-quality equipment is provided, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Your experienced guide will offer comprehensive instruction and share fascinating insights into the local ecosystem and history. Plus, capture every breathtaking moment with complimentary dry bags and waterproof phone cases. Enjoy a relaxing, inclusive, and family-friendly adventure designed for pure enjoyment and connection with nature. Twice-daily departures are available, and rentals are also an option for independent explorers. Book your alpine water escape today!

Take in the beauty of the Upper Colorado River in an adventurous way on a kayaking tour from Kremmling, a Colorado town 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Breckenridge. The group will be accompanied by a guide, but this individual activity gives you the chance to navigate the river at your own pace on an inflatable kayak, aka "ducky."

This section of the Colorado River offers scenic views including meadows, valleys, rolling ranch lands, and steep canyon walls, and wildlife including bald eagles, deer, beavers, and big horn sheep - always something to see. You can paddle to a sandy shore to greet families of geese, to the edges of huge cliffs, or around smaller obstacles, wherever your curiosity takes you. Go double with a friend, or enjoy solitude in a single-person ducky. Upper Colorado River Rafting provides mild Class I-II rapids and occasional Class III rapids at higher water flow. If big, exciting water is what your group is looking for, then the high-water season is the best time to come. Mid-June to early July is traditionally the high-water season. When rivers run at their peak, it can make for a big ride. Pick a big line or choose to skirt it in your own ducky!

This section of the Colorado River offers scenic views including meadows, valleys, rolling ranch lands, and steep canyon walls, and wildlife including bald eagles, deer, beavers, and big horn sheep - always something to see. You can paddle to a sandy shore to greet families of geese, to the edges of huge cliffs, or around smaller obstacles, wherever your curiosity takes you. Go double with a friend, or enjoy solitude in a single-person ducky. Upper Colorado River Rafting provides mild Class I-II rapids and occasional Class III rapids at higher water flow. If exciting water is what your group is looking for, then early summer is the best time to come. Some years the river is a gorgeous winding float. When rivers run at their peak, it can make for a big ride. Pick a challenging line or choose to skirt it in your own ducky!

Navigate the Animas River in your personal inflatable kayak on a 2-hour tour from Durango. There’s no need to smuggle your personal paddle past TSA, as all gear, including a helmet and life vest, is provided for you. After a safety briefing and rundown of the route, it’s time to hit the water. Follow your experienced guide along class III whitewater rapids as you adventure through world famous Colorado wildlife.

Experience the thrill of inflatable kayaking on Durango’s Lower Animas River! This 1/4 day trip lasts 2 hours and 25 minutes round trip, with 1 hour on the water. Navigate exciting Class II rapids and one exhilarating Class III rapid, including “Smelter,” “Santa Rita,” and “Sawmill,” with calmer stretches for scenery and relaxation. Lower water flows in late summer make the rapids even more exciting. No experience is needed—our expert guides provide gear, instruction, and local insights.

Traverse the thrilling rapids of Brown’s Canyon National Monument on a half-day whitewater rafting tour. With one morning and two afternoon tours offered, you can easily find a departure time to fit with your schedule. In addition to an included helmet and life vest, you also enjoy instruction from your guide before the adventure begins.  Once everyone is ready, paddle down Devil’s Punchbowl, Pinball, Big Drop, and more.

Experience the thrill of inflatable kayaking on Durango’s Lower Animas River! This half day trip lasts 3 hours and 45 minutes round trip, with 2 hours and 15 minutes on the water. Navigate exciting Class II rapids and one exhilarating Class III rapid, including “Smelter,” “Santa Rita,” and “Sawmill,” with calmer stretches for scenery and relaxation. Lower water flows in late summer make the rapids even more exciting. No experience is needed— the expert guides will provide gear, instruction, and local insights.

The Arkansas River is a stellar kayaking destination. Enjoy the freedom of independent exploration, with a partner or a friend, when you book this inflatable kayak rental. Your package includes a kayak (either pre-inflated or rolled with a pump), two paddles, two helmets, and two lifejackets. The store is happy to advise on the required skill level for different river sections.

Live like a local and enjoy the delights of the Animas River, right in the heart of Durango. Rafting the Class I, II and III rapids down the river consistently ranks as a highlight for tourists. Don't miss out on this memorable experience with fun guides to take you through a quarter day rafting trip as well as multiple laps through the Whitewater Park on inflatable kayaks.

Going river rafting in a group in Colorado can slow you down as you have to move at the same pace as your group. Ditch a group experience and prebook this Nathrop Half-Day Inflatable Single Kayak Rental instead. This rental experience provides you with transport to and from the river and lets you explore at your own pace while on the river.

Experience the thrill of inflatable kayaking on Durango’s Lower Animas River! This full day trip lasts 5 hours and 45 minutes round trip, with 4 hours and 15 minutes on the water. Navigate exciting Class II rapids and one exhilarating Class III rapid, including “Smelter,” “Santa Rita,” and “Sawmill,” with calmer stretches for scenery and relaxation. Lower water flows in late summer make the rapids even more exciting. No experience is needed—our expert guides provide gear, instruction, and local insights. Lunch is included, making this the perfect mix of adventure and fun.

Spend half a day shooting the Class IV and Class V rapids of Royal Gorge on this whitewater tour from Buena Vista. With an adventure guide at the helm, you'll feel safe and comfortable conquering these rapids, winding down the river and under the world's highest suspension bridge. All equipment and instruction is included; tour is best suited to those in good physical condition.